ATLANTA- Delta Air Lines (DL) returned a Boeing 757 to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) after the flight crew reported smoke and fumes in the flight deck shortly after takeoff.
Flight DL2204, carrying 199 passengers and 6 crew members, was operating to Orlando International Airport (MCO) when the crew declared an emergency.
The aircraft climbed to approximately 9,000 feet before returning to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
After landing safely, the crew initially planned to taxi to the gate. However, a precautionary evacuation was later carried out on a taxiway after smoke was reported in the rear of the aircraft.
Delta Flight DL2204 Declares Emergency After Takeoff
Delta Flight DL2204 departed Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at around 7:35 AM on Saturday for Orlando International Airport (MCO). Shortly after departure, the Boeing 757 climbed to about 9,000 feet before the crew decided to discontinue the flight and return to Atlanta.
The pilots reported smoke and fumes in the flight deck and declared an emergency while communicating with air traffic control.
“We have smoke and fumes, we’re going to return. We are declaring an emergency,” the pilot said. The radio transmission was consistent with the crew communicating through smoke protection oxygen masks used during cockpit smoke or fume events.
Air traffic control immediately prioritized the aircraft’s return and cleared it to land at Atlanta.
The Boeing 757 landed safely on Runway 9L before taxiing to the end of the runway and exiting onto an adjacent taxiway.
Airport fire crews conducted an external inspection of the aircraft. The fire chief informed the flight crew that there were no visible signs of fire or smoke, and that the tires and brakes appeared normal.
Following the inspection, the crew intended to continue taxiing to the gate so passengers could deplane through normal procedures.
Passengers Evacuated After Smoke Reported
Shortly after the aircraft resumed taxiing, the crew informed the control tower of a change in the situation.
“Change of plan… we have smoke in the back,” the pilots reported.
The aircraft stopped on the taxiway, and the crew initiated the evacuation checklist. After shutting down the engines, flight attendants deployed the emergency evacuation slides, allowing passengers to exit the aircraft safely. Airport fire personnel assisted passengers during the evacuation.
Delta Confirms Passengers Were Reaccommodated
In a statement, Delta Air Lines said the flight crew followed established procedures after reports of fumes in the flight deck.
“The flight crew followed procedures to return to Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport after reports of fumes in the flight deck. A slide evacuation occurred on a taxiway, and customers are being reaccommodated on a new aircraft,” the airline said.
Delta added, “Safety is paramount at Delta, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.”
As first reported by PYOK, the aircraft landed safely before the crew carried out a precautionary evacuation after smoke was later reported in the rear of the aircraft.
Conclusion
Delta arranged a replacement aircraft for affected passengers traveling to Orlando following the evacuation. The airline has not disclosed the cause of the reported smoke and fumes.
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